Oldham church transformation earns prestigious award

Pictured (left to right) are: John Kourtoulos, Sales Director, Dulux Trade – Sammy Davis, National President of the PDA – Clare Watson and Bernard Watson, of Bernard Watson Painting and Decorating Contractors – Gilly Carr FICWCI, President ICWCI

A painting and decorating firm has fought off stiff competition to secure a prestigious national title in their milestone year.

Bernard Watson Painting and Decorating Contractors, who are celebrating their 140th anniversary, has transformed St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Oldham to its former glory.

The winning work saw the Preston-based company walk away with the Highly Decorative Project of the Year accolade at the Painting and Decorating Association’s (PDA) 30th Premier Trophy Awards.

The specialist project involved removing paint from the Church’s altar to expose existing artwork and Zinsser and Dulux Trade products were then used to decorate the entirety of the church.  

The team also discovered intricate detailing in the window reveals.

Working closely with an architect, the Bernard Watson team restored the original designs in accordance with the artwork scheme specified.

Colin Barnes, a member of the judging panel, said: "The overall finish of the work was exceptionally good.

“Both the client and contractor worked really well together to achieve an excellent finished job.”

Clare Watson, who was also joined by father Bernard Watson, collected the award on stage at the annual awards luncheon, which took place at the Plaisterers' Hall in London.

She said: “It’s a privilege to do this kind of work anyway, but then to be given an award for it is just fabulous, especially in our anniversary year.

“The team and I are very proud.”

Crown Paints was the main sponsor of this year’s Premier Trophy Awards, with CITB, Purdy, Brewers, Dulux Trade, Wagner and Toupret supporting the event alongside Johnstone’s Paints, Axus Decor, Graco, Barrettine, Owatrol, B&CE and Maker Industrial.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.